Sharif University of Technology (Sharif Policy Research Institute)Science and Technology Policy Letters2476-722015420251122Identifying and ranking strategic management office indicators using simultaneous evaluation of criteria and alternatives algorithm: a case study of a company active in the field of ICTIdentifying and ranking strategic management office indicators using simultaneous evaluation of criteria and alternatives algorithm: a case study of a company active in the field of ICT52223937FAMohammad KazemSayadiICT Research InstituteMalihehKhorsi DamghaniSemnan University, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Semnan, IranJournal Article20250714The strategic management office, as the center of strategy activities, plays a key role in increasing the effectiveness of organizations' strategic actions. The purpose of this research is to identify and rank the performance indicators of the strategic management office in a company active in the field of information and communication technology. The present study, with an applied approach from the perspective of the objective and a descriptive survey approach from the perspective of data collection, deals with the identification and prioritization of indicators. The identification of indicators was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, key performance indicators were identified using the library method and interviews. For this purpose, a comprehensive bank of key performance indicators for the strategic management office was extracted from various sources, including a study of indicators available in the literature, indicators available in the company, and upstream documents, as well as indicators proposed by relevant managers and experts. Given the many indicators identified, with the help of a questionnaire provided to the experts, these indicators were screened, completed, and finalized in several stages. Finally, the indicators were ranked using the simultaneous evaluation technique of criteria and options. The results of the research showed that the level of alignment of the strategic plan with the policies of the company's key stakeholders, the level of alignment of programs and projects with the company's critical success factors, the level of progress of programs and projects in strengthening the company's critical success factors, the level of alignment of the company's senior managers with the goals and strategic plan, and the evaluation, follow-up, and review of the strategic plan were assigned the highest priority.The strategic management office, as the center of strategy activities, plays a key role in increasing the effectiveness of organizations' strategic actions. The purpose of this research is to identify and rank the performance indicators of the strategic management office in a company active in the field of information and communication technology. The present study, with an applied approach from the perspective of the objective and a descriptive survey approach from the perspective of data collection, deals with the identification and prioritization of indicators. The identification of indicators was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, key performance indicators were identified using the library method and interviews. For this purpose, a comprehensive bank of key performance indicators for the strategic management office was extracted from various sources, including a study of indicators available in the literature, indicators available in the company, and upstream documents, as well as indicators proposed by relevant managers and experts. Given the many indicators identified, with the help of a questionnaire provided to the experts, these indicators were screened, completed, and finalized in several stages. Finally, the indicators were ranked using the simultaneous evaluation technique of criteria and options. The results of the research showed that the level of alignment of the strategic plan with the policies of the company's key stakeholders, the level of alignment of programs and projects with the company's critical success factors, the level of progress of programs and projects in strengthening the company's critical success factors, the level of alignment of the company's senior managers with the goals and strategic plan, and the evaluation, follow-up, and review of the strategic plan were assigned the highest priority.https://stpl.ristip.sharif.ir/article_23937_42b553335a40b848bcb39eb656110ad2.pdfSharif University of Technology (Sharif Policy Research Institute)Science and Technology Policy Letters2476-722015420251122Artificial Intelligence firms in Iran: a qualitative study of their Business Impediments and problemsArtificial Intelligence firms in Iran: a qualitative study of their Business Impediments and problems233923997FAHamidHeydarimember of the science and technology studies department- Institute for Cultcher, Social and Civilization Studies- Tehran- IranVahidMirshafieeDepartment of Management and Accounting, Faculty of Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranArmanKhalediAssistant professor, Innovation Policy and foresight, Technology Studies Institute, Tehran. Iran.Journal Article20241207AI is now one of the science and technology policy priorities. Iran’s national document on AI reflects the importance of this technology at the national level. One of the main pillars of AI development, which is also emphasized in the national document, is the development of AI enterprises. Comprehension of the problems that these enterprises face is the first step in formulating policies to develop them. This study is conducted to comprehend the problems that AI enterprises in Iran face. The methodology of this research is based on an interpretive approach. 28 semi-structured interviews with AI enterprise managers were conducted to collect data. Also, documents and reports from 135 AI enterprises were analyzed. The thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that AI enterprise development is under the influence of seven overarching themes. These themes are the management capability of the enterprise, institutional environment, human resources, political economy, funding, exporting, and assessment. The conclusions show that the problems of political economy, management capability of the enterprise, exporting, and assessment are not addressed in the literature. Political economy indicates that the low price of energy and human capital in the country is one of the main reasons for resistance to using AI to maximize productivity. Enabling the managers of these enterprises has also been neglected by public policy makers and managers of these enterprises are poorly qualified for handling their businesses. Domestic enterprises, don’t have any competitive advantage in exporting their products. Their global competitors are big corporations that offer a variety of products at competitive prices. There isn’t any standard mechanism for assessing the quality of AI products and assessment usually is conducted by the buyer. But, since the markets of AI products are not big, this problem isn’t a serious impediment yet.AI is now one of the science and technology policy priorities. Iran’s national document on AI reflects the importance of this technology at the national level. One of the main pillars of AI development, which is also emphasized in the national document, is the development of AI enterprises. Comprehension of the problems that these enterprises face is the first step in formulating policies to develop them. This study is conducted to comprehend the problems that AI enterprises in Iran face. The methodology of this research is based on an interpretive approach. 28 semi-structured interviews with AI enterprise managers were conducted to collect data. Also, documents and reports from 135 AI enterprises were analyzed. The thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that AI enterprise development is under the influence of seven overarching themes. These themes are the management capability of the enterprise, institutional environment, human resources, political economy, funding, exporting, and assessment. The conclusions show that the problems of political economy, management capability of the enterprise, exporting, and assessment are not addressed in the literature. Political economy indicates that the low price of energy and human capital in the country is one of the main reasons for resistance to using AI to maximize productivity. Enabling the managers of these enterprises has also been neglected by public policy makers and managers of these enterprises are poorly qualified for handling their businesses. Domestic enterprises, don’t have any competitive advantage in exporting their products. Their global competitors are big corporations that offer a variety of products at competitive prices. There isn’t any standard mechanism for assessing the quality of AI products and assessment usually is conducted by the buyer. But, since the markets of AI products are not big, this problem isn’t a serious impediment yet.https://stpl.ristip.sharif.ir/article_23997_31193775bbbc3c36447cd10b829be461.pdfSharif University of Technology (Sharif Policy Research Institute)Science and Technology Policy Letters2476-722015420251122Exploring Models for Enhancing Transparency in the Public Sector: A Scoping ReviewExploring Models for Enhancing Transparency in the Public Sector: A Scoping Review405923886FAHosseinBouzarjomehriDepartment of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMohammadrezaMalekiDepartment of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranYasamanHerandiDepartment of Health Care Management, Health Policy and Management Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMohammadRanjbarDepartment of Health Care Management, Health Policy and Management Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranIravanMasoudi-AslDepartment of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250119Transparency in government is essential for building trust, accountability, and democratic participation. By providing open access to data, governments can empower citizens, improve public services, and reduce corruption. Initiatives like open data portals enable public scrutiny of government actions, fostering informed decision-making and better policy outcomes. Transparency also drives innovation and ensures alignment with public interests. This scoping review examines strategies to enhance public sector transparency, focusing on stages, tools, actors, and challenges. Using a systematic search across six major databases from 2000 to 2024, data were analyzed with MaxQDA software to identify transparency components. Ten models (2012–2020) were categorized into three types: requirements, stage, and ecosystem models, each addressing transparency's multifaceted nature, reflecting the diversity and complexity of the subject. Requirements models identify key factors essential for transparency. Stage models advocate for gradual, phased improvements. Ecosystem models examine stakeholder interactions within transparency systems. This study focuses on the key components of existing frameworks, identifying and analyzing their common and distinctive elements to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dimensions of transparency. In this review, transparency is conceptualized as a complex, multilayered, and dynamic phenomenon that requires careful consideration of institutional, managerial, and cultural mechanisms for its effective implementation. The findings of this scoping review offer practical insights for public institutions to reassess and enhance their transparency strategies by drawing on the experiences embedded in existing frameworks, thereby advancing toward more open, participatory, and accountable governance.Transparency in government is essential for building trust, accountability, and democratic participation. By providing open access to data, governments can empower citizens, improve public services, and reduce corruption. Initiatives like open data portals enable public scrutiny of government actions, fostering informed decision-making and better policy outcomes. Transparency also drives innovation and ensures alignment with public interests. This scoping review examines strategies to enhance public sector transparency, focusing on stages, tools, actors, and challenges. Using a systematic search across six major databases from 2000 to 2024, data were analyzed with MaxQDA software to identify transparency components. Ten models (2012–2020) were categorized into three types: requirements, stage, and ecosystem models, each addressing transparency's multifaceted nature, reflecting the diversity and complexity of the subject. Requirements models identify key factors essential for transparency. Stage models advocate for gradual, phased improvements. Ecosystem models examine stakeholder interactions within transparency systems. This study focuses on the key components of existing frameworks, identifying and analyzing their common and distinctive elements to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dimensions of transparency. In this review, transparency is conceptualized as a complex, multilayered, and dynamic phenomenon that requires careful consideration of institutional, managerial, and cultural mechanisms for its effective implementation. The findings of this scoping review offer practical insights for public institutions to reassess and enhance their transparency strategies by drawing on the experiences embedded in existing frameworks, thereby advancing toward more open, participatory, and accountable governance.https://stpl.ristip.sharif.ir/article_23886_801774b33c0e194908104b75ec740ce5.pdfSharif University of Technology (Sharif Policy Research Institute)Science and Technology Policy Letters2476-722015420251122Supply block chain network design in the Iranian pharmaceutical industry by using dynamic modeling and MCDM approachSupply block chain network design in the Iranian pharmaceutical industry by using dynamic modeling and MCDM approach607923925FAJavadRezaeianIndustrial Engineering, Mazandaran University of Science and Technology,ParsaMonfaredMazandaran University of Science and TechnologyBabakShiraziMazandaran University of Science and TechnologyJournal Article20241130Pharmaceutical counterfeiting is a global issue that poses significant risks to public health. Blockchain technology, as a distributed ledger system, provides an immutable chain of data that facilitates the tracking and verification of pharmaceutical products' authenticity, offering an effective solution to combat counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this research is to design a supply blockchain for the pharmaceutical industry to address issues related to counterfeit pharmaceutical products, such as mislabeling, expired products with updated labels, barcodes containing invalid or inconsistent information about the intended medication, and other similar problems within the industry's supply chain.<br /><br />In this study, at first by using the agent based dynamic system, key factors, variables and vulnerable points in the drug supply chain that will lead to fraud were determined. Then, using open interviews with experts from medical community, insurance industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, and academic researchers, key data at the level of actors to prevent drug fraud were identified and these data were divided into three categories in terms of importance using the Delphi method. Then, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process technique for policy-making in the design of the blockchain, the data were prioritized. Finally, the pharmaceutical industry block supply chain was designed as the main achievement of the research with the type and amount of connections between the blocks of this chain and the data distributed at the block level with their degree of importance. The results show the effective roles of the manufacturer, distributor, pharmacy, doctor, insurer, and patient in the blockchain, and drug-related data, including drug UID, drug GTIN, drug LOT, and drug name, are of the highest importance for distribution in the network.Pharmaceutical counterfeiting is a global issue that poses significant risks to public health. Blockchain technology, as a distributed ledger system, provides an immutable chain of data that facilitates the tracking and verification of pharmaceutical products' authenticity, offering an effective solution to combat counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this research is to design a supply blockchain for the pharmaceutical industry to address issues related to counterfeit pharmaceutical products, such as mislabeling, expired products with updated labels, barcodes containing invalid or inconsistent information about the intended medication, and other similar problems within the industry's supply chain.<br /><br />In this study, at first by using the agent based dynamic system, key factors, variables and vulnerable points in the drug supply chain that will lead to fraud were determined. Then, using open interviews with experts from medical community, insurance industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, and academic researchers, key data at the level of actors to prevent drug fraud were identified and these data were divided into three categories in terms of importance using the Delphi method. Then, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process technique for policy-making in the design of the blockchain, the data were prioritized. Finally, the pharmaceutical industry block supply chain was designed as the main achievement of the research with the type and amount of connections between the blocks of this chain and the data distributed at the block level with their degree of importance. The results show the effective roles of the manufacturer, distributor, pharmacy, doctor, insurer, and patient in the blockchain, and drug-related data, including drug UID, drug GTIN, drug LOT, and drug name, are of the highest importance for distribution in the network.https://stpl.ristip.sharif.ir/article_23925_b7da7dbd0397b59dd0f03486aab64510.pdfSharif University of Technology (Sharif Policy Research Institute)Science and Technology Policy Letters2476-722015420251122Identifying the challenges and solutions of policy laboratories in the path of promoting industrial enterprisesIdentifying the challenges and solutions of policy laboratories in the path of promoting industrial enterprises8010023934FAپروانهقلی پورMaster’s Degree Business Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.AmirAtarodianPhD Technology Management-Innovation, Faculty of Economics and Management University of Naples, Naples, ItalyHojjatZoghi KodehioPhD organizational Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran.HadiMotieiMaster’s Degree Industrial Management, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
Email: motiehadi@gmail.comJournal Article20250425Policy labs play a pivotal role in economic development by promoting industrial enterprises. These labs seek to transform industries through data analysis, innovative policy design, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. However, the challenges facing policy labs in promoting industrial enterprises require a deep understanding of industry dynamics and the creation of flexible mechanisms to adapt to changes to ensure their success. The aim of this study is to identify the challenges and solutions facing policy labs in promoting industrial enterprise development. In this regard, after a systematic search of scientific databases and using relevant keywords, 468 primary sources were extracted between 2010 and 2025. After a careful assessment of the relevance of the abstract, title, and results of the articles to the research objectives, 52 articles were selected for final coding. The results of open and axial coding classified the most important challenges into 8 main categories, 17 concepts, and 81 codes. These categories include lack of clarity of goals and missions, limited financial and budgetary resources, lack of specialized human capital, lack of effective evaluation and monitoring mechanisms, insufficient interaction with key stakeholders, resistance of bureaucratic structures, disregard for innovation and new technologies, and lack of a culture of learning and continuous improvement. In this way, the results of the present study provide policymakers and managers of industrial enterprises with a correct understanding of the important challenges and existing studies in this field and provide efficient solutions to reduce these challenges.Policy labs play a pivotal role in economic development by promoting industrial enterprises. These labs seek to transform industries through data analysis, innovative policy design, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. However, the challenges facing policy labs in promoting industrial enterprises require a deep understanding of industry dynamics and the creation of flexible mechanisms to adapt to changes to ensure their success. The aim of this study is to identify the challenges and solutions facing policy labs in promoting industrial enterprise development. In this regard, after a systematic search of scientific databases and using relevant keywords, 468 primary sources were extracted between 2010 and 2025. After a careful assessment of the relevance of the abstract, title, and results of the articles to the research objectives, 52 articles were selected for final coding. The results of open and axial coding classified the most important challenges into 8 main categories, 17 concepts, and 81 codes. These categories include lack of clarity of goals and missions, limited financial and budgetary resources, lack of specialized human capital, lack of effective evaluation and monitoring mechanisms, insufficient interaction with key stakeholders, resistance of bureaucratic structures, disregard for innovation and new technologies, and lack of a culture of learning and continuous improvement. In this way, the results of the present study provide policymakers and managers of industrial enterprises with a correct understanding of the important challenges and existing studies in this field and provide efficient solutions to reduce these challenges.https://stpl.ristip.sharif.ir/article_23934_96303860fe06a9c510055e7142c56f28.pdfSharif University of Technology (Sharif Policy Research Institute)Science and Technology Policy Letters2476-722015420251122"Presenting a conceptual model of entrepreneurial orientation in non-profit organizations with a meta-synthesis approach""Presenting a conceptual model of entrepreneurial orientation in non-profit organizations with a meta-synthesis approach"10113023941FAZeinabEsfandyariDevelopment Department, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of TehranZahraArastiDevelopment Department, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of TehranKammalSakhdariOrganizational Department, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of TehranJournal Article20250628Nonprofit organizations, as one of the key pillars of the third economy, play a vital role in meeting social needs and promoting public welfare. However, the reduction of public and private financial resources, increasing competition, and environmental changes have brought serious challenges to these organizations. This study aimed to identify factors affecting entrepreneurial orientation and examine its effects on the performance of nonprofit organizations. Entrepreneurial orientation, which includes innovation, risk-taking, and active response to environmental changes, can increase financial sustainability, improve organizational efficiency, and facilitate the fulfillment of social missions. This study was applied in terms of purpose and based on the documentary-meta-composition approach and the seven-stage model of Sandusky and Barroso (2007) in terms of methodology. The findings show that managerial, organizational, and environmental factors play a role as the main drivers of entrepreneurial orientation. These factors include the personal and professional characteristics of managers, structure, culture, organizational processes and resources, and environmental conditions. Entrepreneurial orientation has multiple impacts on nonprofit organizations, from improving internal processes, increasing flexibility, and strengthening an innovation culture to optimizing resources, developing new products and services, enhancing social innovation, and improving financial and social performance. Research innovations include integrating prior knowledge into a coherent model based on a combination of scientometrics and content analysis of articles, identifying knowledge gaps in the existing literature, and providing suggestions for evolving research in this area. The research results show that entrepreneurial orientation not only helps strengthen the competitive position and attract diverse resources, but also has the ability to better respond to the changing needs of society and create added value in nonprofit organizations. This approach is proposed as a key strategy for addressing the challenges facing these organizations.Nonprofit organizations, as one of the key pillars of the third economy, play a vital role in meeting social needs and promoting public welfare. However, the reduction of public and private financial resources, increasing competition, and environmental changes have brought serious challenges to these organizations. This study aimed to identify factors affecting entrepreneurial orientation and examine its effects on the performance of nonprofit organizations. Entrepreneurial orientation, which includes innovation, risk-taking, and active response to environmental changes, can increase financial sustainability, improve organizational efficiency, and facilitate the fulfillment of social missions. This study was applied in terms of purpose and based on the documentary-meta-composition approach and the seven-stage model of Sandusky and Barroso (2007) in terms of methodology. The findings show that managerial, organizational, and environmental factors play a role as the main drivers of entrepreneurial orientation. These factors include the personal and professional characteristics of managers, structure, culture, organizational processes and resources, and environmental conditions. Entrepreneurial orientation has multiple impacts on nonprofit organizations, from improving internal processes, increasing flexibility, and strengthening an innovation culture to optimizing resources, developing new products and services, enhancing social innovation, and improving financial and social performance. Research innovations include integrating prior knowledge into a coherent model based on a combination of scientometrics and content analysis of articles, identifying knowledge gaps in the existing literature, and providing suggestions for evolving research in this area. The research results show that entrepreneurial orientation not only helps strengthen the competitive position and attract diverse resources, but also has the ability to better respond to the changing needs of society and create added value in nonprofit organizations. This approach is proposed as a key strategy for addressing the challenges facing these organizations.https://stpl.ristip.sharif.ir/article_23941_d244f6674ac5954e0502985c7260dae7.pdf